August 25, 1955 – January 16, 2026
David Layne Gregorski, 70, passed away exactly as he would have wanted…surrounded by his family, laughing and loving.
The son of the late Virginia Schultz Gregorski and the late Ronald Gregorski, David grew up an only child and an only grandchild. He spent a great deal of time with his grandparents and beloved aunt. As such, he was the apple of everyone’s eye. He was educated in the schools of Kenosha, including Harvey and Grant Elementary and Washington Junior High, where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. It was during his years at Washington that he joined a band and started playing drums. Years later, he would still talk about the 3D band. Music was an important part of his life that carried him through even the toughest of times. He was also a proud member of the Bradford High School Class of 1973.
After graduation, he went on to barber school at Milwaukee Area Technical College. As a young man, he apprenticed at Shear Magic in Burlington, Wisconsin. He spent time bowling, coaching pony league baseball, and enjoying concerts. In the early 80s, he met Margaret “Peggy” Wilk at the Park View Tavern. In his final days, David was asked what Peggy was like when they met. He described her as “beautiful” with a humble smile on his face. He knew how lucky he was to have his “Peg-a-la” by his side. The two were married on November 25, 1983. They shared an incredible 42 years of marriage and raised two daughters together. Laura, or as Dave referred to her as Tex, and Kathleen, or Katie-kins, were his trusty sidekicks on Thursday adventures and family vacations. They shared loyalty, movie quotes, and a warped sense of humor. Dave could not have been a more blessed man, and he would tell you so.
One of David’s greatest accomplishments was being a master barber. He established The Barber Pole – his own small business – in 1981. The shop had various locations over the years, including on Washington Road, next to Aiello’s Florist on 52nd Street, and later in a building that David and Peggy owned on 58th Street in downtown Kenosha. Being around people, sharing conversations, and an occasional “cold one” were the highlights of his career. The barber shop wasn’t just a place to get your hair cut – it was an experience! His work was cut short due to spinal injuries – but a select few still visited the Gregorski home for private haircut services in the basement.
After poor health forced him to retire, Dave took comfort in visits from friends, his diverse music appreciation, and movies. He loved to sit on the deck for cookouts and to visit with neighbors. It was not unusual for those close to him to get a phone call from him singing or suggesting a tune to listen to, a “short” chat about the old neighborhood, or even a simple greeting on a Steely Dan Friday. When he was still able to “creep around,” as he would say, he could easily be spotted driving just above the speed limit in his Pole-plated Mercedes with the music up loud enough for everyone to enjoy. He could always be found in Green and Gold on football Sunday, cheering for the Pack.
Additionally, he enjoyed playing cards, scratching lottery tickets, and spending time with his family. Throwing a ball indoors was an approved activity solely for Dave and his young buddies, Aiden and Noah, or his grand pups!
His life was not perfect, but it was filled with love and laughter, concerts, movies, Sox games, trips to the dog track, visits to Minocqua, and wonderful people. Dave was a people person through and through. He treasured his friendships with classmates, neighbors, customers, his wife’s friends and colleagues, and his daughters’ friends too. Poppa G was always popular with the kids. (Unless it was after dark circa 1995 and he was chasing the crew around in a Bobo mask!) Dave knew no strangers.
David is survived by his faithful wife and companion, Peggy, his beloved Aunt Jean Schultz, daughter Laura and son-in-law Josh Rains, daughter Katie and son-in-law Peter Gehrig, step-grandson Noah Rains, grandpups Marla, Simon, and Gatlin, sister-in-law Kathy (Ron Otto), and many dear friends and cousins. He was proceeded in death by his maternal grandparents, John and Jesse Schultz; paternal grandparents, Laura Rogers and Leo Gregorski; in-laws Harry and Phyliss Wilk; mother Virginia Gregorski, father Ron Gregorski, brother-in-law Jack Wilk, and good friend Jim Rudy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be directed to the Kenosha Public Museums.
David did not want a formal funeral service. Instead, his family will host a celebration of life on Sunday, February 1st from 1 to 3 pm, at the Kenosha Yacht Club. Come as you are – in your favorite band t-shirt, football gear, or Hawaiian shirt. Dave would want you to be comfortable. Bring your favorite stories about David, Big Dave, Clucky, The Pole, Captain…
Casey Family Options Funerals & Cremations
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
262-653-0667 www.caseyfamilyoptions.com
